City: Street funding an issue in 2014 budget

Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager John Lande (left) accepts an award given by Mayor Robert Zimmerman on behalf of the Washington State Department of Ecology for outstanding performance in 2012.Photo by Chris Hendrickson

By Chris Hendrickson, Monitor

WASTEWATER TREATMENT AWARD FOR 2012

At the Tuesday meeting of the Monroe City Council, Mayor Robert Zimmerman presented Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager John Lande with a 2012 Outstanding Wastewater Treatment Plant Award from the Washington State Department of Ecology.

“We recognize that achieving this award is not an easy task,” stated a letter from the Department of Ecology Water Quality Section Manager Kevin C. Fitzpatrick. “It takes hard work and dedication from everyone in the organization.”

MONROE POLICE SERGEANT HONORED FOR 20 YEARS OF SERVICE

Monroe Police Department Sgt. Rick Dunn was honored at city hall for 20 years of serving the citizens of Monroe.

“Among the many duties that the mayor performs, perhaps the most rewarding is recognizing the contributions of the city’s employees,” said Mayor Zimmerman.

Chief Tim Quenzer presented Dunn with an honorary badge to commemorate his 20 years of service.

“It is with great pride that I present Sgt. Dunn with this 20 year badge in recognition of his dedication, professionalism and integrity in serving this department and the citizens of Monroe,” said Quenzer.

“Thank you very much,” said Dunn.

Dunn is active in the Monroe community and is one of the organizers for the yearly Red Robin Tip-a-Cop event that raises money for the Washington Special Olympics. Dunn also participates in many fundraising activities benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, often joined by his son, Callahan Dunn, who is a leukemia survivor.

Dunn accepted his badge with his family at his side.

“It’s quite a feat to get everybody here,” said Dunn.

POLICE AND FIRE APPRECIATION WEEK

Mayor Zimmerman read a proclamation establishing the week of Nov. 17 – 23, 2013 as Police and Fire Appreciation Week in the city of Monroe.

“I, Robert G. Zimmerman, do hereby issue this recognition as a true expression of appreciation and a symbol of gratitude for the exceptional quality of public service as you continue to dedicate yourselves to keeping our citizens and community safe,” read Mayor Zimmerman.

PRELIMINARY BUDGET CAPITOL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND UTILITY FUNDS

Council was given a presentation on the preliminary 2014 budget which included looking at both the city’s capital improvement funds and the utility funds.

Some capital improvements planned for parks in 2014 include improvements to the Lake Tye Park building and improvements to the skate park.

There are several projects slated for completion in the city’s 2014 capital improvements streets budget; however funds in the streets maintenance fund, a different budget category that actually falls within the general fund, will be depleted at the end of 2014.

A concern was raised at the previous council meeting’s general funds presentation in regards to maintenance fund’s depletion. Councilmember Patsy Cudaback expressed a desire to begin discussing ways to start funding street maintenance now, addressing the issue in the 2014 budget, before the fund completely runs out of money.

Cudaback revisited her concerns last week and pressed the issue, stating that she would really like to have some council discussion around supporting the streets maintenance fund.

“It’s one of the most important things government does is fix the streets and maintain the streets,” said Cudaback. “It’s a priority for government.”

Councilmember Williams, Hanford and Gamble were all amenable to having additional discussion as far as viable options for supporting the fund in the future.

“It’s just looking at options,” said Cudaback. “And having some sort of a plan.”

EAST MONROE REZONE

Residents to the north of the East Monroe rezone property area have officially appealed the final Environmental Impact Statement which was presented to council on Oct. 15. They are contesting 12 separate points within the EIS, thus declaring it inadequate.

The rezone would apply to the 42.81 acres situated north of U.S. 2 located east of Woods Creek, changing it from Limited Open Space to General Commercial. Thus far, the rezone has faced much opposition.

The next public hearing was scheduled for Nov. 11, but has been rescheduled to Nov. 18 due to the holiday.

Council is scheduled to take final action on the comprehensive plan amendment and property rezone on Dec. 10 and Dec. 17.